{"id":3681,"date":"2024-11-29T12:44:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-29T07:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thecord.in\/?p=3681"},"modified":"2024-12-02T15:11:27","modified_gmt":"2024-12-02T09:41:27","slug":"sikkim-launches-high-altitude-expedition-to-tackle-glacial-lake-hazards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thecord.in\/?p=3681","title":{"rendered":"Sikkim Launches High-Altitude Expedition to Tackle Glacial Lake Hazards"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Sikkim government<\/a> has initiated its fourth and final expedition of the year to assess high-risk glacial lakes<\/a> in the state\u2019s high-altitude regions. Running from November 27 to December 5, this critical mission aims to develop effective mitigation strategies for glacial floods exacerbated by climate change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to an official release, the expedition focuses on two key proposals: lowering the water levels at Shako Chho<\/a> and constructing a retention structure at Dolma Sampa<\/a>. \u201cThis mission is a step forward in proactively addressing glacial hazards that pose significant risks to both communities and ecosystems,\u201d the release stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The expedition team includes scientists and engineers from Sikkim\u2019s Science<\/a> and Technology Department, Mines and Geology Department, the National Disaster Management Authority<\/a>, and the United Nations Development Programme, with support from the Indian Army and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police<\/a>. Their work will involve lake discharge studies, subsurface geophysical surveys, topographical mapping, debris deposition analysis, and flood level measurements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earlier expeditions assessed several high-risk glacial lakes<\/a>, resulting in the installation of automatic weather and water level monitoring stations at Shako Chho and South Lhonak Lake<\/a>, with support from the Swiss Development Corporation. These monitoring systems provide real-time weather and water level data, photographic updates, and built-in alert systems for sudden water level changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis study will help refine mathematical models of glacial floods and assist in designing retention structures,\u201d a senior official explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The team faces extreme conditions at altitudes of 17,000 feet and sub-zero temperatures. Before beginning their journey, they offered prayers at the Lachen Monastery alongside the Lachen Dzumsa.<\/p>\n<\/body>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"